LUCKNOW, Feb. 1 -- The availability of banned polythene in the markets even after more than a year of repeated drives and penalties sparked criticism in the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) House conducted recently, with mayor Sushma Kharkwal questioning why enforcement action has failed to reach manufacturers and wholesalers.

The mayor took cognisance of the matter, issuing directives to all zonal officials and departments concerned. She noted that despite multiple enforcement exercises, no major action has been taken against the alleged kingpins involved in the manufacturing and wholesale supply of banned polythene.

LMC environmental engineer Sanjeev Pradhan said enforcement cannot be carried out by the civic body alone and require...